Commission on Investment Imperatives for a Healthy Nation Workstream Paper Series
The National Academy of Medicine Commission on Investment Imperatives for a Healthy Nation wasÌýestablishedÌýto reimagine a U.S. health care system that puts people first. Over the course of the year, the Commission will publish a series of papers that describe their vision for a new health system, the priorities that must be considered, and the actions that can be taken to make their vision a reality.ÌýÌý
To provide background information and evidence for the Commission, the ÐßÐßÊÓò¤ÌýconvenedÌýexpert five working groups in the following areas: digital and data architecture, individual and community health goals, health financing, private equity, and inclusiveÌýequitableÌýsystems.ÌýEach working group isÌýcomprisedÌýof individuals with specialÌýexpertise, leadership, and active involvement in the workstream’s area of focusÌýand willÌýproduce a background paper to inform Commissioners’ deliberation on opportunities and priorities for broad, cross-sector alignment.Ìý
Digital and Data Architecture
About the paper
Much of today’s society is powered by interconnected digital data, including global communications, financial transactions, and retail sales. But the health sector lags in developing the robust digital health infrastructure necessary to fully realize innovations, which limits potential advances in efficiency, access, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, discovery, and public health outcomes. This discussion paper outlines how a cohesive digital and data architecture would maximize the benefits of interoperability focuses, quicken the pace of innovation, enhance patient-centered care, and improve fragmentation of the industry around digital health infrastructure. The paper alsoÌýidentifiesÌýactions to mobilize efforts across involved parties and define long-term strategies to implement a unified digital architecture.Ìý
Individual and Community Health Goals
About the paper
Forthcoming
The activities of United States’ health system organizations, public health, and biomedical research too oftenÌýfail toÌýalign with the health goals and priorities of individuals and communities. In addition, these sectors do not effectively collaborate with each other or with other crucial sectors that influence health to strengthen alignment. There is a clearÌýneed for new processes, structures, and cultures that support deliberative and democratic decision-making that aligns all actions across the health sectors with the goals and priorities of the individuals and communities these sectors are meant to serve.ÌýThis discussion paper willÌýoutline a shared vision and potential actions for ensuring that the goals and priorities of individuals and communities are the orienting reference points for every health sector decision and action.Ìý
Health Financing
About the paper
Forthcoming
Within the US health care system, there is broad recognition that current financial incentives are not designed or aligned for optimal performance. Although the past decade has seen meaningful progress, many instances of financial structures fail to support—or even work against—desired health outcomes. This discussion paper will examine the current landscape of health system financial incentives, identify key drivers of misalignment, and assess the policy and programmatic levers available to address misalignment. By targeting the root causes of misalignment, fewer actions can yield broader and more sustainable results.Ìý
Private Equity Investments in Health
About the paper
Forthcoming
Private equity plays a significant role in the structure and operations of the U.S. health care system, spanning areas from pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology to informatics, artificial intelligence, and patient-facing care delivery. Attracted byÌýnearly theÌý$6 trillion flowing through the health sector, along with opportunities for outsized financial returns, private equity’s footprint, particularly in care services, has experienced robust growth. While private equity investment has fueled innovation in some areas, especially in biotechnology and medical technology, it has also exposed risks in patient-facing services, raising concerns about misaligned incentives, patient harm, and public mistrust.ÌýThis discussion paper willÌýexamine the landscape of private equity investors and the types of investments they are making, classify their impacts, andÌýidentifyÌýlevers to curb harms and unlock potential benefits. The paper highlights both the risks and opportunities of private equity in health care, with an emphasis on accountability, transparency, and alignment with health system aspirations.Ìý
